During the months following Hurricane Harvey (August–December 2017) there was an increase in most maximum values. The data capture rate for these chemicals were between 88 and 97% in both years. Yearly maximum values (MAX, all in parts per billion (ppb)) in 2017 for SO 2, NO, and NOx (53.7, 113.4, 134, respectively) and their respective standard deviations (SD: 1.3, 3.4, and 14) were higher as compared to 2018 (MAX, all in ppb and (SD) = 40.9, (1.4) 103.9, (3.3) 123.8, (14), respectively).

The number of hours and days no data were reported by air monitors were also investigated. Concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO 2), nitric oxide (NO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), ozone, benzene, and hydrogen sulfide (H 2S) were investigated. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) data from two active air monitors in Beaumont, Texas were analyzed during the year 2017–2018. In this exploratory investigation, we examine how government air monitors performed in measuring air quality in Beaumont, Texas during and in the months following Hurricane Harvey.

During Hurricane Harvey, emergency shutdowns took place. Southeast Texas is home to some of the largest refineries in the United States.

Ozone 9 standard